Spokane funds Latine-led nonprofit to bridge police trust with immigrant survivors
The Spokane City Council has approved a $120,000 grant for Mujeres in Action, a Latine-led nonprofit supporting Spanish-speaking domestic violence survivors. The funding will back a one-year pilot programme aimed at improving trust between immigrant communities and the Spokane Police Department.
The decision follows concerns about rising fear among Latine and immigrant survivors, particularly due to increased deportations by ICE. The grant will fund a partnership between Mujeres in Action and the Spokane Police Department. Key activities include joint meetings, community listening sessions, and the nonprofit's role as 'trusted messengers' during domestic violence responses. The organisation also plans to use its existing resources to stretch the impact of the city's investment.
Of the $120,000, the largest share—$86,668—will cover staff salaries, with $19,980 allocated for benefits and $1,550 for training materials. This marks the second allocation from SPD's outreach budget in a month, bringing the total to $220,000.
Not all council members supported the move. Michael Cathcart opposed the funding, pointing to Spokane's $13 million deficit and worries about future budget shortfalls. Meanwhile, Paul Dillon argued that Mujeres in Action's cultural competency training would help reduce immigrants' distrust of police.
The nonprofit has highlighted growing vulnerability among Latine survivors, linking their fears to recent ICE enforcement actions. Their work focuses on bridging gaps between marginalised groups and law enforcement through direct outreach and advocacy. The pilot programme will run for one year, with Mujeres in Action leading efforts to strengthen police-community relations. The funding will primarily support staffing and training, while the organisation's broader goal remains addressing barriers faced by immigrant survivors of domestic violence. The city's decision reflects ongoing debates over budget priorities and public safety investments.
